Orczy - definition of Orczy by The Free Dictionary Orczy - definition of Orczy by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia . Orczy (ˈɔːtsɪ) n (Biography) Baroness Emmuska (ˈɛmʊʃkə). 1865–1947, British novelist, born in Hungary; author of The Scarlet Pimpernel (1905) ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: novelist References in periodicals archive ? Based on the classic adventure novel by Baroness Emma Orczy, the production is set against a background of the French Revolution.

The sensitivities of 'small, backward nations': Austria-Hungary, Serbia, and the regulation of the Danube 1870-71.) Like the Scarlet Pimpernel, made famous in the classic play and book by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, you seek it here, you seek it there - in fact, all of us seek it everywhere but it will leave no trace of its whereabouts. THEATRE The Scarlet Pimpernel/ Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust (BOST)/ Liverpool Empire; 08 Culture Diary 16) Baroness Orczy has told her story of writing the book first and then the play, the former's rejection by 'a round dozen' publishers and her determination not to pay for publication or sell her copyright, and the play's eventual success after acceptance by Fred Terry and Julia Neilson. 1. In which city did gangster Al Capone operate? - Liverpool Echo 1. In which city did gangster Al Capone operate? 2. Who had a number one hit in 1974 called Billy Don't Be A Hero? Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email 2.

Who had a number one hit in 1974 called Billy Don't Be A Hero? 3. In 2003, the American Film Institute compiled a list of the top 50 movie villains – which character from a 1991 film was voted number one? 4. Which fictional hero, created by Baroness Orczy, takes his name from the small red flower with which he signs his messages? 5. Who played Hans Gruber in the film Die Hard? 6. What is the minimum number of darts a person needs to throw to complete a leg from 501? 7. Which was the first British football team to win the European Cup? 8. How many players make up a netball team? 9. In the Olympic Games, what five sports make up the modern pentathlon? 10. What is the maximum no of match points that can be held at one time in a tennis match at Wimbledon? 1. Chicago; 2. Paper Lace; 3. Hannibal Lecter; 4. The Scarlet Pimpernel; 5. Alan Rickman; 6. 9; 7. Celtic; 8. 7; 9.

Running, fencing, swimming, horse riding and shooting; 10. 6 (when leading 6-0 in a tie-break) Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Baroness Orczy - definition of Baroness Orczy by The Free Dictionary Baroness Orczy - definition of Baroness Orczy by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Wikipedia . ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Orczy References in periodicals archive ? Based on the famous book by Baroness Orczy, it contains numerous powerful songs, while the costumes and sets in the production are stunning. THEATRE The Scarlet Pimpernel/ Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust (BOST)/ Liverpool Empire; 08 Culture Diary 16) Baroness Orczy has told her story of writing the book first and then the play, the former's rejection by 'a round dozen' publishers and her determination not to pay for publication or sell her copyright, and the play's eventual success after acceptance by Fred Terry and Julia Neilson.

Arthur Greening, Publisher of The Scarlet Pimpernel In this new series there are a lot more villains and I also get to wear many different disguises which is nearer to the original books by Baroness Orczy. The Scarlet Pimpernel - FritzWiki If so, I'd like to hear about it. Add a comment here , or contact me . The Scarlet Pimpernel is best viewed with JavaScript turned on. 12 Categories The Scarlet Pimpernel The Scarlet Pimpernel is a novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy and is the first appearance of the character the Scarlet Pimpernel , arguably, the first superhero . ( text available at Project Gutenberg ) In this historical adventure set during the French Revolution, the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel sets out to rescue men, women and children facing the horrors of the guillotine, while evading the relentless pursuit of his arch enemy, Chauvelin.

The first and most successful in the Baroness’s series of books that feature Percy Blakeney, who leads a double life as an English fop and a swashbuckling rescuer of aristocrats, The Scarlet Pimpernel was the blueprint for what became known as the masked-avenger genre. As Anne Perry writes in her Introduction, the novel “has almost reached its first centenary, and it is as vivid and appealing as ever because the plotting is perfect. It is a classic example of how to construct, pace, and conclude a plot. . . . To rise on the crest of laughter without capsizing, to survive being written, rewritten, and reinterpreted by each generation, is the mark of a plot that is timeless and universal, even though it happens to be set in England and France of 1792.” (e) Action-Adventure Tags: The Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic play and adventure novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy , set during the Reign of Terror following the French Revolution . It was first produced as a record-breaking play in an adaptation by Julia Neilson and Fred Terry .

The play first opened on 15 October 1903 at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal ; it was not a success. But Terry had confidence in the play and, with a rewritten last act, he took it to London where it opened at the New Theatre on 5 January 1905 . The standing ovation of the first night audience proved him right, but the critics were unimpressed. The London critics criticized it as old-fashioned. Despite that, the play became a popular success. It began a run of 122 performances and numerous revivals, becoming a favourite of the London audiences — playing more than 2000 performances, one of the most popular shows ever staged in an English theatre. The novel was published soon after the play's opening and was an immediate success. Orczy gained a following of readers in Britain and throughout the world. With the demand high, she wrote a number of sequels over the next 35 years. The success of The Scarlet Pimpernel, in novel and play form, allowed Orczy and her husband to live out their lives in luxury and comfort.

Over the years, they lived on an estate in Kent , a bustling London home and an opulent villa in Monte Carlo . Orczy continued to create adventures for her "reckless daredevil" and watch his incarnations take life throughout the world. The play was performed to great acclaim in France, Italy, Germany and Spain, while the novel was translated into 16 languages. Orczy wrote in her autobiography, Links In the Chain of Life : I have so often been asked the question: "But how did you come to think of The Scarlet Pimpernel?" And my answer has always been: "It was God's will that I should." And to you moderns, who perhaps do not believe as I do, I will say, "In the chain of my life, there were so many links, all of which tended towards bringing me to the fulfillment of my destiny..." Plot summary[ edit ] The novel is set in 1792, during the bloodthirsty, early stages of the French Revolution . Marguerite St. Just , a beautiful French ex-actress, is the wife of the wealthy English fop Sir Percy Blakeney , a baronet .

Before their marriage, Marguerite had said unintended things in private that had resulted in sending French aristocrat the Marquis de St. Cyr and his sons to the guillotine . When Percy found out, he became estranged from his wife. Meanwhile, a secret society of 19 English aristocrats, the "League of the Scarlet Pimpernel", is engaged in rescuing their French counterparts from the daily executions. Their leader, the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel , takes his nickname from the drawing of a small red flower with which he signs his messages. Despite being the talk of London society, only his followers and possibly the Prince of Wales know the Pimpernel's true identity. Like many others, Marguerite is entranced by the Pimpernel's daring exploits. We seek him here, we seek him there, Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven?—Is he in hell? That demmed, elusive Pimpernel. Sir Percy Blakeney (ch.12) At a ball attended by the Blakeneys, Percy's verse about the Pimpernel makes the rounds and amuses the other guests.

Meanwhile, Marguerite is blackmailed by the wily new French envoy to England, Citizen Chauvelin . Chauvelin's agents have stolen a letter incriminating her beloved brother Armand, proving that he is in league with the Pimpernel. Chauvelin offers to trade Armand's life for her help against the Pimpernel. Contemptuous of her seemingly witless and unloving husband, Marguerite does not go to him for help or advice. Instead, she passes along information which enables Chauvelin to learn the Pimpernel's true identity. Later that night, Marguerite finally tells her husband of the terrible danger threatening her brother and pleads for his assistance. Percy promises to save him. After Percy unexpectedly leaves for France, Marguerite discovers to her horror that he is the Pimpernel—the very man she has endangered. He had hidden behind the persona of a dull, slow-witted fop in order to deceive the world. He had not even told Marguerite because of his worry that she might betray him, as she had done others in the past.

Desperate to save her spouse, she pursues Percy to France to try to warn him. Chauvelin is close to capturing Percy on several occasions, but the Englishman manages to outwit him each time. Percy rescues Armand and the Comte de Tourney, the father of a school friend of Marguerite's. Percy is finally reunited with his frantic wife when they are both taken prisoner by Chauvelin, though luckily Percy is so well disguised as a despised Jew that the Frenchman does not recognize him. The couple later manage to escape. With Marguerite's love and courage amply proved, Percy's ardour is rekindled. Safely back on board their schooner, the Day Dream, the happily reconciled couple returns to England. Sequels[ edit ] Baroness Orczy wrote numerous sequels that revolve around the other characters with whom Blakeney comes into contact and the activities of his followers, Lord Tony Dewhurst, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, Lord Hastings and Marguerite's brother, Armand St. Just.

However, these books have not been as famous as The Scarlet Pimpernel These include The Laughing Cavalier (1914) and The First Sir Percy (1921), about an ancestor of the Pimpernel's; Pimpernel and Rosemary (1924), about a descendant; and The Scarlet Pimpernel Looks at the World (1933), a depiction of the 1930s world from the point of view of Sir Percy. Some of her non-related Revolutionary-period novels reference the Scarlet Pimpernel or the League, most notably The Bronze Eagle (1915). Scarlet Pimpernel books[ edit ] The Scarlet Pimpernel (1997), a 1997 Broadway musical composed by Frank Wildhorn and written by Nan Knighton . The production starred Douglas Sills as Sir Percy Blakeney, Christine Andreas as Marguerite Blakeney, and Terrence Mann as Citizen Chauvelin.

The Scarlet Pimpernel , two TV series of three episodes each (1999, 2000): "The Scarlet Pimpernel", "Valentin Gautier" [UK title]/"The Scarlet Pimpernel Meets Madame Guillotine" [US title], "The King's Ransom" [UK title]/"The Scarlet Pimpernel and the Kidnapped King" [US title], "Ennui", "Friends and Enemies", "A Good Name"). The BBC production, with Richard E. Grant in the title role and Martin Shaw as Chauvelin, took many liberties with the characters and plot, and was not well received by fans of the books. The Forecourt Pimpernel (2001) (TV) The Black Pimpernel (2006) Parodies and games[ edit ] The novel has been parodied as a Warner Bros. cartoon short featuring Daffy Duck (as " The Scarlet Pumpernickel "), in 1954.

A figure of the Scarlet Pumpernickel was released by DC Direct in 2006, making it one of the few — if not the only — toys produced based on the Pimpernel. The Canadian comedy team of Wayne and Shuster created a comedy sketch based on the Scarlet Pimpernel called "The Brown Pumpernickel". [1] Media references[ edit ] In 1987, the BBC sitcom Blackadder the Third included an episode, " Nob and Nobility ", in which the Scarlet Pimpernel is praised by everyone, apart from Mr. E. Blackadder , who sees nothing admirable in "filling London with a load of garlic-chewing French toffs... looking for sympathy all the time simply because their fathers had their heads cut off". The episode ends with Blackadder killing two noblemen claiming to be the Pimpernel and his partner. Prince George was about to give some money to the Pimpernel just before he died, so Blackadder claims to be the real Pimpernel in order to get the money. There has also been a recent string of novels by Harvard graduate student Lauren Willig , beginning with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation .

These novels chronicle the adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel's associates, including the Purple Gentian (alias of Lord Richard Selwick). Sir Percy and Marguerite are mentioned as members of an 18th century incarnation of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in the graphic novels of that title by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill . The TV series Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp had an episode entitled "The Scarlet Chimpernel", in which the title character, after slipping on a banana peel, has a fantasy where he is the Scarlet Pimpernel. The part of Marguerite is filled by Mata Hairi. The seventh episode of the 2007 season of the TV series Midsomer Murders , "They Seek Him Here", centers around a shooting of a remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. A setting with a guillotine becomes prominent when the director is decapitated .

In the 2006 Tenacious D movie " Pick Of Destiny " the devil has a "rock-off" with the lead characters in which he says, "I'll make him squeal like my Scarlet Pimpernel." In the Danny Kaye musical film The Court Jester , the infant king is identified by the "purple pimpernel" on his backside. Moon Over Buffalo , the stage play by Ken Ludwig , has the lead character, George, hoping to be cast by Frank Capra as the Scarlett Pimpernel. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a member of the Wold Newton family a concept created by Philip Jose Farmer . In the third book in the TimeWars series, The Pimpernel Plot, Sir Percy Blakeney is killed in an accident at the beginning of his career as the Scarlet Pimpernel, and a time traveler must act the part of Sir Percy to preserve history. In the 1998 Wizards of the Coast game Guillotine , there is an action card named The Scarlet Pimpernel, which instantly ends the day after the next noble is collected.

Real-life tie-ins[ edit ] 'The Tartan Pimpernel'[ edit ] Inspired by the title Scarlet Pimpernel, the Tartan Pimpernel was a nickname given to the Reverend Donald Caskie (1902–1983), formerly minister of the Paris congregation of the Church of Scotland , for aiding over 2,000 Allied service personnel to escape from occupied France during World War II . 'The American Pimpernel'[ edit ] Varian Fry , was a 32-year-old Harvard-educated classicist and editor from New York City, who helped save thousands of endangered refugees who were caught in Vichy France escape from Nazi terror during World War II. His story is told in American Pimpernel — the Man Who Saved the Artists on Hitler's Death List. 'The Black Pimpernel'[ edit ] Harald Edelstam (1913–1989) was a Swedish diplomat . During World War II, he earned the nickname Svarta nejlikan ("the Black Pimpernel") for helping Norwegian resistance fighters in Hjemmefronten escape from the Germans.

[2] Stationed in Chile in the 1970s, he arranged for the escape of numerous refugees from the military junta of Augusto Pinochet ; this brought him into conflict with the regime, and he was eventually forced to leave the country. This name was also given to Nelson Mandela prior to his arrest and long incarceration for his anti- apartheid activities in South Africa due to his effective use of disguises when evading capture by the police. [3] Raoul Wallenberg[ edit ] Raoul Wallenberg , a Swedish diplomat, was directly inspired by the film Pimpernel Smith to begin rescuing Hungarian Jews during World War II.The truth. Wallenberg issued false passports identifying the Jews as Swedish nationals, and is credited with rescuing at least 15,000 Jews. He disappeared in Eastern Europe after the war, and is believed to have died in a Soviet prison camp. Historical accuracy[ edit ] The Baroness's sympathies were plainly with the aristocracy and in truth, she was more interested in telling a good tale than in strict historical accuracy.

To this end, Orczy frequently distorted real historical figures and events so they could be woven into the storylines of the books, placing the Scarlet Pimpernel and his league in the middle of the action. In particular, the career of Chauvelin, the recurring villain of the series, is much altered; named Armand Chauvelin in the books, in fact, Bernard-François, marquis de Chauvelin , survived the Revolutionary period to become an official under Napoleon I of France and a noted liberal Deputy under the Bourbon Restoration . Other real life historical figures who crop up in the series include: Scarlet Pimpernel Scarlet Pimpernel Advertisement Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question. You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

11:16 Aug 15, 2005 English to English translations [Non-PRO] Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature / Name of a novel English term or phrase: Scarlet Pimpernel What may be meaning of scarlet pimpernel in terms of the novel and the literal meaning as well. PRAKAASH English translation: Primrose Explanation: The Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic adventure novel by Baroness Orczy. It was first published in 1905, and is seen as a precursor to the spy fiction and the superhero genres. It gave rise to numerous sequels, and has been adapted several times for television and film. The literal meaning: The scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a low-growing plant in the Primrose family (Primulaceae). -------------------------------------------------- Note added at 8 mins (2005-08-15 11:24:24 GMT) -------------------------------------------------- The action takes place during the French Revolution, when a secret society of English aristocrats, called the \"League of the Scarlet Pimpernel\", is engaged in rescuing their French counterparts from the guillotine.

Their leader, the Scarlet Pimpernel, takes his nickname from the small red flower (illustration, left) with which he signs his messages. No one except his small band of followers knows his true identity. Orczy wrote numerous sequels. Other of her works are related to the series, including The Laughing Cavalier (1914) and The First Sir Percy (1921), about an ancestor of the Pimpernel\'s; Pimpernel and Rosemary, about a descendant; and The Scarlet Pimpernel Looks at the World (1933), a depiction of the 1930s world from the point of view of Sir Percy. Some of her non-related Revolutionary-period novels reference the Scarlet Pimpernel or the League, most notably The Bronze Eagle (1915). The Scarlet Pimpernel is often cited as an early (perhaps the earliest) precursor of the superhero of American comic books: he is an independently wealthy person with a secret identity which he maintains in action by disguises, while in public life he appears as a politically irrelevant dandy to draw attention away from himself.

In his hero guise, he accomplishes good, in a field in which the state is not competent to act, with his superior reasoning and fighting abilities. However, he never in the entire canon takes a life or indeed seriously wounds a foe. He even has a symbol in his name, which he does use as an emblem, though not on a costume. Bob Kane\'s Batman later followed the same pattern. The Scarlet Pimpernel - The Full Wiki The Full Wiki More info on The Scarlet Pimpernel Wikis Note: Many of our articles have direct quotes from sources you can cite, within the Wikipedia article! This article doesn't yet, but we're working on it! See more info or our list of citable articles . Related top topics Top rankings for The Scarlet Pimpernel 64th For other uses, see The Scarlet Pimpernel (disambiguation) . The Scarlet Pimpernel Sir Percy Leads the Band The Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic play and adventure novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy , set during the Reign of Terror following the start of the French Revolution . The story is a precursor to the "disguised superhero " tales such as Zorro or Batman .

The play was produced and adapted by Julia Neilson and Fred Terry . It first opened on 15 October 1903 at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal ; it was not a success. Terry, however, had confidence in the play and, with a rewritten last act, took it to London where it opened at the New Theatre on 5 January 1905. The premier of the London production was enthusiastically received by the audience, but critics considered the play 'old-fashioned.' In spite of negative reviews, the play became a popular success, running 122 performances and enjoying numerous revivals. The Scarlet Pimpernel became a favourite of London audiences, playing more than 2,000 performances and becoming one of the most popular shows staged in England to that date. The novel was published soon after the play's opening and was an immediate success. Orczy gained a following of readers in Britain and throughout the world. The popularity of the novel encouraged her to write a number of sequels for her "reckless daredevil" over the next 35 years. The play was performed to great acclaim in France, Italy, Germany and Spain, while the novel was translated into 16 languages.

Subsequently, the story has been adapted for television, film, a musical and other media. The international success of The Scarlet Pimpernel allowed Orczy and her husband to live out their lives in luxury. Over the years, they lived on an estate in Kent , a bustling London home and an opulent villa in Monte Carlo . Orczy wrote in her autobiography, Links in the Chain of Life: I have so often been asked the question: "But how did you come to think of The Scarlet Pimpernel?" And my answer has always been: "It was God's will that I should." And to you moderns, who perhaps do not believe as I do, I will say, "In the chain of my life, there were so many links, all of which tended towards bringing me to the fulfillment of my destiny." Contents Plot Fred Terry in The Scarlet Pimpernel, 1905 In 1792, during the bloodthirsty, early stages of the French Revolution , Marguerite St. Just , a beautiful Frenchwoman, is the wife of the wealthy English fop Sir Percy Blakeney, a baronet .

Before their marriage, Marguerite had carelessly made comments in private which had the unintended consequence of sending the French aristocrat Marquis de St. Cyr and his sons to the guillotine . When Percy found out, he became estranged from his wife. Marguerite, for her part, became disillusioned with Percy's dandyish ways. Meanwhile, the "League of the Scarlet Pimpernel", a secret society of 20 English aristocrats, "one to command, and nineteen to obey", is engaged in rescuing their French counterparts from the daily executions. Their leader, the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, takes his nickname from the drawing of a small red flower with which he signs his messages. Despite being the talk of London society, only his followers and possibly the Prince of Wales know the Pimpernel's true identity. Like many others, Marguerite is entranced by the Pimpernel's daring exploits. We seek him here, we seek him there, Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven?—Is he in hell? That demmed, elusive Pimpernel.

— Sir Percy Blakeney (ch.12) At a ball attended by the Blakeneys, Percy's verse about the "elusive Pimpernel" makes the rounds and amuses the other guests. Meanwhile, Marguerite is blackmailed by the wily new French envoy to England, Citizen Chauvelin . Chauvelin's agents have stolen a letter incriminating her beloved brother Armand, proving that he is in league with the Pimpernel. Chauvelin offers to trade Armand's life for her help against the Pimpernel. Contemptuous of her seemingly witless and unloving husband, Marguerite does not go to him for help or advice. Instead, she passes along information which enables Chauvelin to learn the Pimpernel's true identity. Later that night, Marguerite finally tells her husband of the terrible danger threatening her brother and pleads for his assistance. Percy promises to save him. After Percy unexpectedly leaves for France, Marguerite discovers to her horror that he is the Pimpernel. He had hidden behind the persona of a dull, slow-witted fop in order to deceive the world.

He had not told Marguerite because of his worry that she might betray him, as she had others in the past. Desperate to save her spouse, she pursues Percy to France to try to warn him. Chauvelin is close to capturing Percy on several occasions, but the Englishman manages to outwit him each time. Percy rescues Armand and the Comte de Tourney, the father of a schoolfriend of Marguerite's. Percy is finally reunited with his frantic wife when they are both taken prisoner by Chauvelin, though luckily Percy is so well disguised as a despised Jew that the Frenchman does not recognize him. The couple later manage to escape. With Marguerite's love and courage amply proved, Percy's ardour is rekindled. Safely back on board their schooner, the Day Dream, the happily reconciled couple returns to England. Sequels Baroness Orczy wrote numerous sequels that revolve around the other characters with whom Blakeney comes into contact and the activities of his followers, Lord Tony Dewhurst, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, Lord Hastings and Marguerite's brother, Armand St. Just.

However, these books have not been as famous as The Scarlet Pimpernel. The sequels include The Laughing Cavalier (1914) and The First Sir Percy (1921), about an ancestor of the Pimpernel's; Pimpernel and Rosemary (1924), about a descendant; and The Scarlet Pimpernel Looks at the World (1933), a depiction of the 1930s world from the point of view of Sir Percy. Some of her non-related Revolutionary-period novels reference the Scarlet Pimpernel or the League, most notably The Bronze Eagle (1915).

Members of the League The original nine League or founder members who formed the party on August 2, 1792: Sir Andrew Ffoulkes (second in command), Lord Anthony Dewhurst, Lord Edward Hastings, Lord John Bathurst, Lord Stowmarries, Sir Edward Mackenzie, Sir Philip Glynde, Lord Saint Denys, Sir Richard Galveston Ten members enrolled on January, 1793: Sir Jeremiah Wallescourt, Lord Kulmstead, Lord George Fanshawe, Anthony Holte, John Hastings (Lord Edward's cousin), Lord Everingham, Sir George Vigor, Bart., The Hon. St. John Devinne, Michael Barstow of York, Armand St. Just (Marguerite's brother) Marguerite, Lady Blakeney, is also named as a member of the League in the book Mam'zelle Guillotine , but it is not known when she was formally enrolled. Historical accuracy The Baroness's sympathies were plainly with the aristocracy and in truth, she was more interested in telling a good tale than in strict historical accuracy.

To this end, Orczy frequently distorted real historical figures and events so they could be woven into the storylines of the books, placing the Scarlet Pimpernel and his league in the middle of the action. In particular, the career of Chauvelin, the recurring villain of the series, is much altered; named Citizen Chauvelin in the books, in fact, Bernard-François, marquis de Chauvelin , survived the Revolutionary period to become an official under Napoleon I of France and a noted liberal Deputy under the Bourbon Restoration . Other real life historical figures who crop up in the series include: The Scarlet Pimpernel Omnibus (1952) collection of four novels Related books The First Sir Percy (1920) (about an ancestor of the Scarlet Pimpernel) Pimpernel and Rosemary (1924) (about a relation of the Scarlet Pimpernel) The Scarlet Pimpernel Looks at the World (1933) A Gay Adventurer A biography of Sir Percy Blakeney, Bart. (1935) (written by 'John Blakeney' pseud.

(John Montagu Orczy Barstow)) The Life and Exploits of the Scarlet Pimpernel (1938) (written by 'John Blakeney' pseud. (John Montagu Orczy Barstow) ) n.b. re-release of 'A Gay Adventurer' The Secret History of the Pink Carnation series (2005-present) (written by Lauren Willig ) Chronology Baroness Orczy did not publish her Pimpernel stories as a strict chronological series, and in fact, the settings of the books in their publication sequence can vary forward or backward in time by months or centuries . While some readers enjoy following the author's development of the Pimpernel character as it was realized, others prefer to read the stories in historical sequence. Taking into account occasional discrepancies in the dates of events (real and fictional) referred to in the stories, the following is an approximate chronological listing of Baroness Orczy's Scarlet Pimpernel novels and short stories: Book Title The Scarlet Pimpernel (1997), a 1997 Broadway musical composed by Frank Wildhorn and written by Nan Knighton .

The production starred Douglas Sills as Sir Percy Blakeney, Christine Andreas as Marguerite Blakeney, and Terrence Mann as Citizen Chauvelin. The Scarlet Pimpernel , two TV series of three episodes each (1999, 2000): "The Scarlet Pimpernel", "Valentin Gautier" [UK title]/"The Scarlet Pimpernel Meets Madame Guillotine" [US title], "The King's Ransom" [UK title]/"The Scarlet Pimpernel and the Kidnapped King" [US title], "Ennui", "Friends and Enemies", "A Good Name"). The BBC production, with Richard E. Grant in the title role and Martin Shaw as Chauvelin, took many liberties with the characters and plot, and was not well received by fans of the books. The Forecourt Pimpernel (2001) (TV) The Black Pimpernel (2006) Parodies and media references 'The novel has been parodied or used as source material in a variety of media, such as films, TV, stage works, literature and games.

It was parodied as a 1954 Warner Bros. cartoon short featuring Daffy Duck : " The Scarlet Pumpernickel ". An action figure of the Scarlet Pumpernickel was released by DC Direct in 2006, making it one of the few — if not the only — toys produced based on the Pimpernel. The Scarlet Pimpernel was parodied extensively in the Carry On film Don't Lose Your Head which featured Sidney James as the Black Fingernail who helps French aristocrats escape the hangman while hiding behind the foppish exterior of British aristocrat Sir Rodney Ffing. It also features Jim Dale as his assistant, Lord Darcy. They must rescue preposterously effete aristocrat Charles Hawtrey from the clutches of Kenneth Williams ' fiendish Citizen Camembert and his sidekick Citizen Bidet ( Peter Butterworth ). [1] In 1987, the BBC sitcom Blackadder the Third included an episode, " Nob and Nobility ", in which the Scarlet Pimpernel is praised by everyone except Mr. E. Blackadder , who sees nothing admirable in "filling London with a load of garlic-chewing French toffs...

looking for sympathy all the time simply because their fathers had their heads cut off". The episode ends with Blackadder killing two noblemen claiming to be the Pimpernel and his partner. Prince George was about to give some money to the Pimpernel just before he died, so Blackadder claims to be the real Pimpernel in order to get the money. Other TV references include the series Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp , which had an episode entitled "The Scarlet Chimpernel". The title character has a fantasy where he is the Scarlet Pimpernel. The part of Marguerite is filled by Mata Hairi. The seventh episode of the 2007 season of the TV series Midsomer Murders , "They Seek Him Here", centers around a shooting of a remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Several episodes of the CBBC series ChuckleVision featured the Chuckle Brothers encountering the "Purple Pimple", aka Sir Percy, played by Barry Killerby . In Moon Over Buffalo , the stage play by Ken Ludwig , the lead character, George, hoping to be cast by Frank Capra as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

In The Desert Song , the heroic "Red Shadow" has a milquetoast alter ego modelled after The Scarlet Pimpernel. [2] The Canadian comedy team of Wayne and Shuster created a comedy sketch in 1957 based on the Scarlet Pimpernel called "The Brown Pumpernickel" in which, instead of a red flower as his calling card , the hero would leave behind a loaf of pumpernickel . [3] [4] Sir Percy and Marguerite are mentioned as members of an 18th century incarnation of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in the graphic novels of that title by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill and make a more significant appearance in The Black Dossier , in the accounts of both Orlando and Fanny Hill , with whom Percy and Marguerite are revealed to have been romantically involved. In the third book in the TimeWars series, The Pimpernel Plot, Sir Percy is killed in an accident at the beginning of his career as the Scarlet Pimpernel, and a time traveler must act the part of Sir Percy to preserve history. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a member of the Wold Newton family , a concept created by Philip Jose Farmer .

In addition, a series of novels by Lauren Willig , beginning with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (2005), chronicle the adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel's associates, including the Purple Gentian (alias of Lord Richard Selwick), spies in the Napoleonic era. [5] Steve Jackson Games published GURPS Scarlet Pimpernel, by Robert Traynor and Lisa Evans in 1991, a supplement for playing the milieu using the GURPS roleplaying game system. [6] In the 1998 Wizards of the Coast game Guillotine , there is an action card named The Scarlet Pimpernel, which instantly ends the day after the next noble is collected. Real-life tie-ins The Tartan Pimpernel Inspired by the title Scarlet Pimpernel, the Tartan Pimpernel was a nickname given to the Reverend Donald Caskie (1902–1983), formerly minister of the Paris congregation of the Church of Scotland , for aiding over 2,000 Allied service personnel to escape from occupied France during World War II .

The American Pimpernel Varian Fry , was a 32-year-old Harvard-educated classicist and editor from New York City, who helped save thousands of endangered refugees who were caught in Vichy France escape from Nazi terror during World War II. His story is told in American Pimpernel — the Man Who Saved the Artists on Hitler's Death List. The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty was an Irish priest who saved thousands of people, British and American servicemen and Jews, during World War II while in the Vatican in Rome. His story is told in two books and a film: J. P. Gallagher (1968), Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican, New York: Coward-McCann Brian Fleming (2008), The Vatican Pimpernel: The Wartime Exploits of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, Collins Press The Scarlet and the Black , a 1983 made-for-TV movie starring Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer The Black Pimpernel Harald Edelstam (1913–1989) was a Swedish diplomat .

During World War II, he earned the nickname Svarta nejlikan ("the Black Pimpernel") for helping Norwegian resistance fighters in Hjemmefronten escape from the Germans. [7] Stationed in Chile in the 1970s, he arranged for the escape of numerous refugees from the military junta of Augusto Pinochet ; this brought him into conflict with the regime, and he was eventually forced to leave the country. This name was also given to Nelson Mandela prior to his arrest and long incarceration for his anti- apartheid activities in South Africa due to his effective use of disguises when evading capture by the police. [8] Raoul Wallenberg Raoul Wallenberg , a Swedish diplomat, was directly inspired by the film Pimpernel Smith to begin rescuing Hungarian Jews during World War II. Wallenberg issued false passports identifying the Jews as Swedish nationals, and is credited with rescuing at least 15,000 Jews. He disappeared in Eastern Europe after the war, and is believed to have died in a Soviet prison camp. Notes ^ Hibbin, Sally and Nina Hibbin.

What a Carry On — The Official History of the Carry On Film Series, Hamlyn, London, 1998, ISBN 0-600-55819-3, pp. 98-99 ^ Everett, William A. and Geoffrey Holden Block. Sigmund Romberg, p. 160, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007 ISBN 0300111835 ^ "The Archivist" . collectionscanada.ca (Library and Archives Canada). 10 April 2000. . Retrieved 2007-10-29. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic play and adventure novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy , set during the French Revolution . It was first produced as a record-breaking play in an adaptation by Julia Neilson and Fred Terry . The play first opened on 15 October 1903 at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal; it was not a success.

But Terry had confidence in the play and, with a re-written last act, he took it to London where at the New Theatre on 5 January 1905 it began a run of 122 performances and numerous revivals. The novel became a runaway bestseller and Fred Terry had a hit, playing the Pimpernel for the rest of his life, on and off. The story is seen as a precursor to the spy fiction and the superhero genres. It gave rise to numerous sequels, and has been adapted several times for television and film. The Scarlet Pimpernel (novel) The Scarlet Pimpernel works in the dark, and his identity is only known under the solemn oath of secrecy to his immediate followers. The Scarlet Pimpernel works in the dark, and his identity is only known under the solemn oath of secrecy to his immediate followers. Ch. 4 : The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel "The Scarlet Pimpernel?" said Suzanne, with a merry laugh. "Why! what a droll name! What is the Scarlet Pimpernel, Monsieur?" She looked at Sir Andrew with eager curiosity. The young man's face had become almost transfigured.

His eyes shone with enthusiasm; hero-worship, love, admiration for his leader seemed literally to glow upon his face. "The Scarlet Pimpernel, Mademoiselle," he said at last "is the name of a humble English wayside flower; but it is also the name chosen to hide the identity of the best and bravest man in all the world, so that he may better succeed in accomplishing the noble task he has set himself to do." "Ah, yes," here interposed the young Vicomte, "I have heard speak of this Scarlet Pimpernel. A little flower — red? — yes! They say in Paris that every time a royalist escapes to England that devil, Foucquier-Tinville, the Public Prosecutor, receives a paper with that little flower designated in red upon it. Ch. 4 : The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel We seek him here, we seek him there, Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven? — Is he in hell? That damned, elusive Pimpernel Ch.

12 : The Scrap of Paper It is only when we are very happy, that we can bear to gaze merrily upon the vast and limitless expanse of water, rolling on and on with such persistent, irritating monotony, to the accompaniment of our thoughts, whether grave or gay. When they are gay, the waves echo their gaiety; but when they are sad, then every breaker, as it rolls, seems to bring additional sadness, and to speak to us of hopelessness and of the pettiness of all our joys. Ch. 21 : Suspense The Scarlet Pimpernel (1997 musical) Sing! Swing! The Scarlet Pimpernel : definition of The Scarlet Pimpernel and synonyms of The Scarlet Pimpernel (English) Sir Percy Leads the Band The Scarlet Pimpernel is a play and adventure novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy , set during the Reign of Terror following the start of the French Revolution . The story is a precursor to the "disguised superhero " tales such as Zorro and Batman . The play was produced and adapted by Julia Neilson and Fred Terry .

It first opened on 15 October 1903 at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal ; it was not a success. Terry, however, had confidence in the play and, with a rewritten last act, took it to London where it opened at the New Theatre on 5 January 1905. The premiere of the London production was enthusiastically received by the audience, but critics considered the play 'old-fashioned.' In spite of negative reviews, the play became a popular success, running 122 performances and enjoying numerous revivals. The Scarlet Pimpernel became a favourite of London audiences, playing more than 2,000 performances and becoming one of the most popular shows staged in England to that date.[ citation needed ] The novel was published soon after the play's opening and was an immediate success. Orczy gained a following of readers in Britain and throughout the world. The popularity of the novel encouraged her to write a number of sequels for her "reckless daredevil" over the next 35 years. The play was performed to great acclaim in France, Italy, Germany and Spain, while the novel was translated into 16 languages.

Subsequently, the story has been adapted for television, film, a musical and other media. The international success of The Scarlet Pimpernel allowed Orczy and her husband to live out their lives in luxury. Over the years, they lived on an estate in Kent , a bustling London home and an opulent villa in Monte Carlo . Orczy wrote in her autobiography, Links in the Chain of Life: I have so often been asked the question: "But how did you come to think of The Scarlet Pimpernel?" And my answer has always been: "It was God's will that I should." And to you moderns, who perhaps do not believe as I do, I will say, "In the chain of my life, there were so many links, all of which tended towards bringing me to the fulfillment of my destiny." Contents Plot Fred Terry in The Scarlet Pimpernel, 1905 The Scarlet Pimpernel is set in 1792, during the early stages of the French Revolution . Marguerite St. Just, a beautiful French actress, is the wife of wealthy English fop Sir Percy Blakeney, a baronet .

Before their marriage, Marguerite took revenge upon the Marquis de St. Cyr, who had ordered her brother to be beaten for his romantic interest in the Marquis' daughter, with the unintended consequence of the Marquis and his sons being sent to the guillotine . When Percy found out, he became estranged from his wife. Marguerite, for her part, became disillusioned with Percy's shallow, dandyish lifestyle. Meanwhile, the "League of the Scarlet Pimpernel", a secret society of 20 English aristocrats, "one to command, and nineteen to obey", is engaged in rescuing their French counterparts from the daily executions (see Reign of Terror ). Their leader, the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, takes his nickname from the drawing of a small red flower with which he signs his messages. Despite being the talk of London society, only his followers and possibly the Prince of Wales know the Pimpernel's true identity. Like many others, Marguerite is entranced by the Pimpernel's daring exploits. We seek him here, we seek him there, Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven?—Is he in hell?

That demmed, elusive Pimpernel. Sir Percy Blakeney (ch.12) At a ball attended by the Blakeneys, Percy's verse about the "elusive Pimpernel" makes the rounds and amuses the other guests. Meanwhile, Marguerite is blackmailed by the wily new French envoy to England, Citizen Chauvelin . Chauvelin's agents have stolen a letter incriminating her beloved brother Armand, proving that he is in league with the Pimpernel. Chauvelin offers to trade Armand's life for her help against the Pimpernel. Contemptuous of her seemingly witless and unloving husband, Marguerite does not go to him for help or advice. Instead, she passes along information which enables Chauvelin to learn the Pimpernel's true identity. Later that night, Marguerite finally tells her husband of the terrible danger threatening her brother and pleads for his assistance. Percy promises to save him. After Percy unexpectedly leaves for France, Marguerite discovers to her horror that he is the Pimpernel.

He had hidden behind the persona of a dull, slow-witted fop in order to deceive the world. He had not told Marguerite because of his worry that she might betray him, as she had the Marquis de St. Cyr. Desperate to save her husband, she decides to pursue Percy to France to warn him that Chauvelin knows his identity and his purpose. She persuades Sir Andrew Ffoulkes to accompany her, but because of the tide and the weather, neither they nor Chavelin can leave immediately. At Calais , Percy openly approaches Chauvelin in a decrepit inn (the Chat gris), whose owner is in Percy's pay. Despite Chauvelin's best efforts, the Englishman manages to escape by throwing pepper in Chavelin's face. Through a bold plan executed right under Chauvelin's nose, Percy rescues Marguerite's brother Armand and the Comte de Tournay, the father of a schoolfriend of Marguerite's. Marguerite pursues Percy right to the very end, resolute that she must either warn him or share his fate.

Percy, heavily disguised, is captured by Chauvelin, but he does not recognise him, and he is enabled to escape. With Marguerite's love and courage amply proven, Percy's ardour is rekindled. Safely back on board their schooner, the Day Dream, the happily reconciled couple returns to England. Sir Andrew marries the Count's daughter, Suzanne. Sequels Baroness Orczy wrote numerous sequels, none of which became as famous as The Scarlet Pimpernel. Many of the sequels revolve around French characters whom Sir Percy has met and is attempting to rescue. His followers, such as Lord Tony Dewhurst, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, Lord Hastings and Armand St. Just (Marguerite's brother), also take their turn in major roles.

In addition to the direct sequels about Sir Percy and his league, Orczy's related books include The Laughing Cavalier (1914) and The First Sir Percy (1921), about an ancestor of the Pimpernel's; Pimpernel and Rosemary (1924), about a descendant; and The Scarlet Pimpernel Looks at the World (1933), a depiction of the 1930s world from the point of view of Sir Percy. Some of her non-related Revolutionary-period novels reference the Scarlet Pimpernel or the League, most notably The Bronze Eagle (1915).

Members of the League The original nine League or founder members who formed the party on August 2, 1792: Sir Andrew Ffoulkes (second in command), Lord Anthony Dewhurst, Lord Edward Hastings, Lord John Bathurst, Lord Stowmarries, Sir Edward Mackenzie, Sir Philip Glynde, Lord Saint Denys, Sir Richard Galveston Ten members enrolled on January, 1793: Sir Jeremiah Wallescourt, Lord Kulmstead, Lord George Fanshawe, Anthony Holte, John Hastings (Lord Edward's cousin), Lord Everingham, Sir George Vigor, Bart., The Hon. St. John Devinne, Michael Barstow of York, Armand St. Just (Marguerite's brother) Marguerite, Lady Blakeney, is also named as a member of the League in the book Mam'zelle Guillotine , but it is not known when she was formally enrolled. Historical accuracy The Baroness's sympathies were plainly with the aristocracy and in truth, she was more interested in telling a good tale than in strict historical accuracy.

To this end, Orczy frequently distorted real historical figures and events so they could be woven into the storylines of the books, placing the Scarlet Pimpernel and his league in the middle of the action. In particular, the career of Chauvelin, the recurring villain of the series, is much altered; named Citizen Chauvelin in the books, in fact, Bernard-François, marquis de Chauvelin , survived the Revolutionary period to become an official under Napoleon I of France and a noted liberal Deputy under the Bourbon Restoration . Other real life historical figures who crop up in the series include: The Life and Exploits of the Scarlet Pimpernel (1938) (written by 'John Blakeney' pseud. (John Montagu Orczy Barstow) ) n.b. re-release of 'A Gay Adventurer' Chronology Baroness Orczy did not publish her Pimpernel stories as a strict chronological series, and in fact, the settings of the books in their publication sequence can vary forward or backward in time by months or centuries .

While some readers enjoy following the author's development of the Pimpernel character as it was realized, others prefer to read the stories in historical sequence. Taking into account occasional discrepancies in the dates of events (real and fictional) referred to in the stories, the following is an approximate chronological listing of Baroness Orczy's Scarlet Pimpernel novels and short stories: Book Title The Scarlet Pimpernel (1997), a 1997 Broadway musical composed by Frank Wildhorn and written by Nan Knighton . The production starred Douglas Sills as Sir Percy Blakeney, Christine Andreas as Marguerite Blakeney, and Terrence Mann as Citizen Chauvelin. The Scarlet Pimpernel , two TV series of three episodes each (1999, 2000): "The Scarlet Pimpernel", "Valentin Gautier" [UK title]/"The Scarlet Pimpernel Meets Madame Guillotine" [US title], "The King's Ransom" [UK title]/"The Scarlet Pimpernel and the Kidnapped King" [US title], "Ennui", "Friends and Enemies", "A Good Name"). The BBC production, with Richard E.

Grant in the title role and Martin Shaw as Chauvelin, took many liberties with the characters and plot, and was not well received by fans of the books. The Forecourt Pimpernel (2001) (TV) The Black Pimpernel (2006) The Scarlet Pimpernel (2010), a Broadway style Japanese adaptation, performed by the popular all-women's Takarazuka Revue in Osaka, Japan. Parodies and media references The novel has been parodied or used as source material in a variety of media, such as films, TV, stage works, literature and games. It was parodied as a 1950 Warner Bros. cartoon short featuring Daffy Duck : " The Scarlet Pumpernickel ". An action figure of the Scarlet Pumpernickel was released by DC Direct in 2006, making it one of the few — if not the only — toys produced based on the Pimpernel.

The Scarlet Pimpernel was parodied extensively in the Carry On film Don't Lose Your Head which featured Sid James as the Black Fingernail who helps French aristocrats escape the guilotine while hiding behind the foppish exterior of British aristocrat Sir Rodney Ffing. It also features Jim Dale as his assistant, Lord Darcy. They must rescue preposterously effete aristocrat Charles Hawtrey from the clutches of Kenneth Williams ' fiendish Citizen Camembert and his sidekick Citizen Bidet ( Peter Butterworth ). [1] In The Court Jester , the baby heir to the throne has a birthmark known as "the purple pimpernel". In 1987, the BBC sitcom Blackadder the Third included an episode, " Nob and Nobility ", in which the Scarlet Pimpernel is praised by everyone except Mr. E. Blackadder , who sees nothing admirable in "filling London with a load of garlic-chewing French toffs... looking for sympathy all the time simply because their fathers had their heads cut off". The episode ends with Blackadder killing two noblemen claiming to be the Pimpernel and his partner.

Prince George was about to give some money to the Pimpernel just before he died, so Blackadder claims to be the real Pimpernel in order to get the money. Other TV references include the series Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp , which had an episode entitled "The Scarlet Chimpernel". The title character has a fantasy where he is the Scarlet Pimpernel. The part of Marguerite is filled by Mata Hairi. The seventh episode of the 2007 season of the TV series Midsomer Murders , "They Seek Him Here", centers around a shooting of a remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Several episodes of the CBBC series ChuckleVision featured the Chuckle Brothers encountering the "Purple Pimple", aka Sir Percy, played by Barry Killerby . In Moon Over Buffalo , the stage play by Ken Ludwig , the lead character, George, hoping to be cast by Frank Capra as the Scarlet Pimpernel. In The Desert Song , the heroic "Red Shadow" has a milquetoast alter ego modelled after The Scarlet Pimpernel.

[2] The Canadian comedy team of Wayne and Shuster created a comedy sketch in 1957 based on the Scarlet Pimpernel called "The Brown Pumpernickel" in which, instead of a red flower as his calling card , the hero would leave behind a loaf of pumpernickel . [3] [4] Sir Percy and Marguerite are mentioned as members of an 18th century incarnation of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in the graphic novels of that title by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill and make a more significant appearance in The Black Dossier , in the accounts of both Orlando and Fanny Hill , with whom Percy and Marguerite are revealed to have been romantically involved. In the third book in the TimeWars series, The Pimpernel Plot, Sir Percy is killed in an accident at the beginning of his career as the Scarlet Pimpernel, and a time traveler must act the part of Sir Percy to preserve history. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a member of the Wold Newton family , a concept created by Philip Jose Farmer .

In addition, a series of novels by Lauren Willig , beginning with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (2005), chronicle the adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel's associates, including the Purple Gentian (alias of Lord Richard Selwick), spies in the Napoleonic era. [5] Steve Jackson Games published GURPS Scarlet Pimpernel, by Robert Traynor and Lisa Evans in 1991, a supplement for playing the milieu using the GURPS roleplaying game system. [6] In the 1998 Wizards of the Coast game Guillotine , there is an action card named The Scarlet Pimpernel, which instantly ends the day after the next noble is collected. Real-life tie-ins The Tartan Pimpernel Inspired by the title Scarlet Pimpernel, the Tartan Pimpernel was a nickname given to the Reverend Donald Caskie (1902–1983), formerly minister of the Paris congregation of the Church of Scotland , for aiding over 2,000 Allied service personnel to escape from occupied France during World War II .

The American Pimpernel Varian Fry was a 32-year-old Harvard-educated classicist and editor from New York City who helped save thousands of endangered refugees who were caught in Vichy France , helping them to escape from Nazi terror during World War II. His story is told in American Pimpernel — the Man Who Saved the Artists on Hitler's Death List. The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty was an Irish priest who saved thousands of people, British and American servicemen and Jews, during World War II while in the Vatican in Rome. His story is told in two books and a film: J. P. Gallagher (1968), Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican, New York: Coward-McCann Brian Fleming (2008), The Vatican Pimpernel: The Wartime Exploits of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, Collins Press The Scarlet and the Black , a 1983 made-for-TV movie starring Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer The Black Pimpernel Harald Edelstam (1913–1989) was a Swedish diplomat .

During World War II, he earned the nickname Svarta nejlikan ("the Black Pimpernel") for helping Norwegian resistance fighters in Hjemmefronten escape from the Germans. [7] Stationed in Chile in the 1970s, he arranged for the escape of numerous refugees from the military junta of Augusto Pinochet ; this brought him into conflict with the regime, and he was eventually forced to leave the country. This name was also given to Nelson Mandela prior to his arrest and long incarceration for his anti- apartheid activities in South Africa due to his effective use of disguises when evading capture by the police. [8] Raoul Wallenberg Raoul Wallenberg , a Swedish diplomat, was directly inspired by the film Pimpernel Smith to begin rescuing Hungarian Jews during World War II. [9] Wallenberg issued false passports identifying the Jews as Swedish nationals, and is credited with rescuing at least 15,000 Jews. He disappeared in Eastern Europe after the war, and is believed to have died in a Soviet prison camp. [10] References ^ Hibbin, Sally and Nina Hibbin.

What a Carry On — The Official History of the Carry On Film Series, Hamlyn, London, 1998, ISBN 0-600-55819-3 , pp. 98–99 ^ Everett, William A. and Geoffrey Holden Block. Sigmund Romberg , p. 160, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007 ISBN 0-300-11183-5 ^ "The Archivist" . collectionscanada.ca (Library and Archives Canada). 10 April 2000. . Retrieved 2007-10-29.

Question: Which fictional hero, created by Baroness Orczy, takes his name from the small red flower with which he signs his messages?
Answer: The Scarlet Pimpernel